Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Come join us at Adoption Support Associates on December 5th, 2010 for a workshop at our offices in West Orange, NJ. We will be discussing issues on the various characteristics, challenges, joys and woes common in adoptive families. We will offer support, information and comradery. Click on the link below for details and registration!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

I recently viewed a YouTube video called Children Full of Life. It is a series of 5 clips about a teacher in a 4th grade classroom in Japan, who is able to teach compassion, in the way he runs his class. It is tuly breathtaking and inspiring. (Be sure to watch all 5) Here's the link:Children Full of Life
I haven't seen the one on bullying, but it might be good too...
While it speaks to everyone, I am posting this here, because I feel it has so much relevance to the adoption community, in particular... This teacher is able to foster compassion, which is a component of belonging, attachment, bonding, isn't it? If we can grasp what he is doing with this class, we can apply it to families. He takes a group of children who are not yet a cohesive group, and turns them into a "family" with a sense of responsiblity to each other, a demand for kindness, support and respect and yes...love. He teaches them how to put words to their feelings, to express them, and in so doing, they experience being "known." In the process, they must learn to listen and understand what they hear. Not something we all do so easily, nor so often. But isn't that a requirement to truly be in a relationship?! Just wonderful to watch. What do YOU think?

Thursday, September 30, 2010

It's that time of year again...autumn. Leaves will be ablaze with color and soon falling from their summer branches. It also means that Adoption Awareness month is coming....November. It's an exciting time in the adoption community, as many conferences and workshops are available to support each member of the community. One wonderful event that is now in its 29th year is the "Let's Talk Adoption Conference" held at Rutgers University, put on by the Concerned Persons for Adoption (CPFA). It is co-sponsored by Rutgers School of Social Work, Institute for Families and the New Jersey Interagency Adoption Council. It will be held on Nov. 6, from 8am-4pm, at the Busch Campus in Piscataway. This year Rita Taddonio, LCSW who is the Director of the Adoption Resource Center (ARC) at Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children in NYC, will be the keynote speaker. There are additional workshops held that will address the interests of just about anyone who has any connection to adoption, from adopted children, parents, educators, birthparents, siblings, therapists....and those who are merely at the stage of considering adoption as a way to grow their family. Check out the link above to find out more. Alternatively, you can call them at 908-273-5694.